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Opportunity knocks for Nyoni
- Story by
- Opportunity knocks for Nyoni
Nyoni completed 96% of his passes (53/55) against Arsenal [Getty Images]
Andoni Iraola has called on Trey Nyoni to continue in the same manner after the 19-year-old made his first Premier League start for Liverpool on Sunday.
With Ryan Gravenberch out of Liverpool's trip to Fenerbahce with a heel injury and a doubt for this Sunday's game against Crystal Palace, Nyoni is set to get more of an opportunity to cement his place as a regular in Liverpool's midfield.
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"I think he has to continue in the same place he has been since pre-season. He's playing most of the games," said Iraola.
"We trust him, he's doing very well. We have to encourage him to continue improving, learning and getting the experience. He's in very good place."
Nyoni has already played 513 minutes this season, more than double the 237 minutes he managed last campaign under Arne Slot, stepping up after Liverpool sold Curtis Jones to Inter Milan.
Asked if Liverpool were ready to rely on Nyoni week in, week out, Iraola stressed that the teenager is getting used to the rhythm of playing two games a week.
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He added: "I think the young players are already playing. Sometimes it's not just playing 90 minutes and 90 minutes. Maybe one day you have to help us play 20 minutes, or another day you have to start and play 65, and then maybe you don't play, maybe you play the full game.
"He's adding also endurance, because sometimes when you are young, you feel 'OK, I'm not going to get tired'.
"But you need to add this to your body and give a big effort every three to four days.
"I think they are in the process, the young players, Rio (Ngumoha), Trey (Nyoni), (Lewis) Koumas, they are there, adding important games, adding important minutes, and I'm happy with that."
